I decided to watch this amazing film again after 5 years or so of when I initially watched it. I must say the film hit me even harder the second time. The acting from the main cast was exceptional and I'm going far as to say the acting of Song Kang Ho haunted me. The only criticism I'm dishing out is to the acting of the Swedish officers and Lee Young-Ae in parts - this is mainly due to the awkward English (why didn't they speak Swedish amongst themselves?) but I don't blame the actors at all as it's obviously their second language. Go watch this film if you got a sec to visit the bay ;) - a true masterpiece of a debut that captures true human emotions/bonds

I won't go into massive detail but it is a excellent example of korean cinema led by massively likable song kang ho and while the murder element does take away from the film somewhat it leads to a immensely satisfying conclusion The story begins with murder and mystery with political overtones, yet at it's heart, it's a film about friendship. The likable characters which never succumb to stereotypes bring to life a strange friendship which is rare under the political times but is treasured all the same. It does help if you have some knowledge of korean history but isn't required and can appeal any audience willing to invest time into the slow start.

This is one of my favorite movies despite some flaws.First, I'd like to point out for those who've watched this film after realizing it was made by the same director, Chan-wook Park (Oldboy). Please keep in mind this is one of his first films. Before this film Park was basically an unknown. You can tell that it is a low budget film. This explains the bad acting on part of the English speaking actors.Second, you must understand the background for this movie. This film is loosely based on a true incident near the border. If you think this film was 'unbelievable,' I'd like to point out that it is merely improbable, but not impossible. While the North and South Korea are still technically at war, it has been over 50 years since the war broke out. Public opinion has been changing, but even so this film was extremely controversial because it portrayed North Koreans as human beings instead of the enemy. This movie touches on an extremely sensitive subject - perhaps akin to a Jordanian-Israelite friendship story. The point of the movie is that even during war, there is always a sliver of humanity (Like the film Joyeux Noel).Third, this film is NOT homo-erotic. Many things considered 'gay' in other countries do not equate to the same things in other countries. It doesn't make Koreans any more or less homophobic as say, in the US, but there is a different definition of what is considered gay. In Korea male bonding is considered very important. Many friends consider each other as close as brothers. This is completely normal in Korean society. In fact, Lee's role as the only female cast was chosen to 'balance out' all the male relationships. While I do not agree with this decision, I am extremely glad there weren't any needless love scenes so common in movies.I urge people to understand the context of this film before watching for maximum enjoyment. The premise is incredible, the directing is good, but unfortunately the acting of foreigners and the choice of Lee prevents me from giving this film a perfect 10. Yes, it was a little melodramatic, but you should expect that from most Asian cinema. Many Asian countries have experienced extreme violence in their own land in the 20th century. 8.5/10

In recent years South Korea has produced some of the best cinema in the world in recent years and Park Chan-Wook is one of the best directors to come out of the nation. This was film that proved he was a skilled film-maker and broke a number of box-office records in South Korea. Because of this film that Park Chan-Wook was able to do his Vengeance trilogy.In the Joint Security Area on the border of North and South Korea the rival states have a border dispute. A South Korean soldier had killed two North Korean soldiers and injured another. The South Korean army claimed that their man was kidnapped and he was acting in self-defence, whilst the North said it was an unprovoked attack. A team of Swiss and Swedish soldiers, led by Major Sophie Jean, a Swiss born woman from Korean ancestry. When she comes to Korea she discovered that this was not a clear cut case. It was discovered in a flashback that Sgt. Lee Soo-hyeok had befriended two North Korean soldiers who had saved his live after he stepped on a mine. He starts to write to the young private before crossing the border and getting very close to the soldiers. This is a big shock because of the difference between the North and South and both sides are taught that they are the supiour. It also becomes more dangerous with both sides suffering from increased hostilities.Joint Security Area is a fantansic film. It is brilliant written and directed, which Park showing some of his trade make shots. The acting is excellent and the subject matter is very well handled. This is a story of friendship in impossible circumstances. The soldiers realise that they have a lot in common and that the North and South are not that different from each other. It is bittersweet, but at times humorous. There are debates about Korean politics, such as unification, and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and the soldiers involved are patriotic to their countries. Their are aspects to the both sides military, and neither get off lightly in this film.I highly recommend this film.